UNC Football: Sam Howell listed among best QB’s in college football

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 26: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drops back to pass against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

UNC Football quarterback Sam Howell was listed among the best in all of college football this week by Sporting News

The college football season is still a few months away and despite some questions about it starting on time, a few different representatives at programs have stated they expect to move forward with the normal plan.

Of course, things can change from now until the end of August but that still doesn’t make us not excited for the 2020 season. Especially as North Carolina fans.

Last year under the first season in Mack Brown’s second stint with the program, the Tar Heels finished 7-6 overall and earned their first bowl win since the 2013 season. A big reason for their success was the improvement on offense led by freshman quarterback Sam Howell.

The former Florida State commit set a new true freshman record throwing for 38 passing touchdowns last season. Howell was recognized several times throughout the season with honors and now going into next season, he’s earning some more national recognition.

On Thursday, Sporting News put out their top 25 quarterback list for the upcoming season and Howell was ranked among the best at No. 3 overall. He trailed just Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields.

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Howell set the true freshman record with 38 passing TDs last season, and a full offseason of preparation with offensive coordinator Phil Longo should lead to even better results as a sophomore. Howell had six 300-yard games last season. He is ahead of schedule in what should be a breakout year for the Tar Heels in the ACC Coastal.

Going into next season, the expectations for Howell and the Tar Heels’ offense will be sky high as they are a favorite to win the Atlantic Coast Conference coastal division. They are also one of a few teams that might be able to pose a legit threat to Clemson in the title game.

The schedule will be tough for UNC early on, traveling to play UCF in Orlando then going to Atlanta to take on Auburn in Week 2. A good start for the Tar Heels will give the nation something to talk about.